How to Install Multiple DroidDeck Variants Side-by-Side on One Android Device

One of the most powerful and unique features of DroidDeck's release architecture is that each variant ships with a distinct Android package identifier (applicationId):

Because Android identifies installed applications strictly by their package name, you do not have to choose just one variant. You can install two, three, or all four variants simultaneously on the same device!

This tutorial explains how Android sandboxes each package, provides a step-by-step installation guide, and reveals how to link a single shared Steam library folder across variants so you don't waste gigabytes of duplicate storage.

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1. How Android Sandboxes Multi-Package Installations

When you install multiple DroidDeck APKs side-by-side:

Android Storage Layout for Multi-Variant Installation:
/data/data/
├── com.droiddeck.launcher/         <-- Standard build rootfs & Proton prefix
│   └── files/rootfs/
└── com.tencent.ig/                 <-- PUBG build rootfs & Proton prefix
    └── files/rootfs/
/sdcard/ (Internal Shared Storage or MicroSD Card):

└── Games/SteamLibrary/             <-- Shared game library (Zero duplicate storage!)

    ├── steamapps/

    │   └── common/

    │       ├── Fallout New Vegas/

    │       └── GTA V/

To learn why each variant exists, read our Complete DroidDeck APK Variants Comparison Guide.

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2. Step-by-Step Installation: Running Standard & PUBG Builds Together

Follow this workflow to set up an A/B testing environment on your Android device:

Step 1: Install the Standard Build

Step 2: Install the PUBG Mobile Spoof Build

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3. How to Share Your Steam Library (Avoid Duplicate Game Files)

Games like *Cyberpunk 2077* (70 GB) or *GTA V* (100 GB) take up significant storage. You should never install separate copies of games for each DroidDeck variant.

DroidDeck allows you to map your Steam library to shared Android storage (/sdcard/Games or a MicroSD card):

Step 1: Create a Central Games Folder on Android Storage

   /sdcard/Games/SteamLibrary/
   

Step 2: Add the Library Folder in DroidDeck (Standard Build)

Step 3: Add the Exact Same Library Folder in DroidDeck (PUBG Build)

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4. How to Conduct Direct A/B Performance Testing

Having both variants installed side-by-side provides the ultimate testbed to see if your phone's manufacturer throttles performance:

A/B Testing Protocol:
Boot DroidDeck (Standard) -> Play game for 15 minutes.
   - Note MangoHud GPU clock, temperature, and average FPS.
Close Standard -> Boot DroidDeck (PUBG or AnTuTu).
   - Play the same game sequence for 15 minutes.
   - Compare frametime consistency and whether 120Hz display mode engaged.

If you notice higher sustained GPU clocks and smoother frametimes on the PUBG build, your phone is throttling the Standard package. You can keep the PUBG build for demanding 3D games while keeping the Standard build for lighter indies.

To see our lab's benchmark numbers comparing clock speeds across builds, check out our AnTuTu vs Standard APK Thermal Throttling Benchmarks.

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5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can both variants run at the exact same time?

Are cloud saves synchronized between variants?

How do I uninstall one variant without affecting the other?

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Summary

DroidDeck's multi-variant package architecture provides maximum flexibility for power users, benchmarkers, and handheld gamers alike. Whether you want to test OEM throttling behaviors or maintain separate Steam configurations, side-by-side installation is safe, clean, and efficient.

Download both APK variants from the DroidDeck Download Portal to start testing today!

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